Source: Team_Talk
Hughes demands focus from Stokes
The summer signing hit a clinical double to help Hibs to an Easter Road triumph over Saints following newspaper reports he was involved in an alleged nightclub fracas.[LNB]Hughes admitted he was angry when he saw the story, which he vowed to investigate, but felt Stokes had responded in the right way on Saturday.[LNB]The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international held off a defender before turning and firing home from 18 yards to give Hibs an unlikely 21st-minute lead, and he curled home a 73rd-minute free-kick to put the result beyond doubt.[LNB]"It's disappointing and frustrating that he's making the front pages," Hughes said. "Once we get the real story, we'll deal with it internally. But the only way to answer it is to do what he did today.[LNB]"If I'm honest, I was frustrated and angry when I saw it, but until you get the full story, it just might be someone trying to cause mischief and a mountain out of a molehill, I don't know.[LNB]"So I can't really comment on it but if he has done anything wrong, I'll deal with it internally."[LNB]The former Arsenal youngster netted 16 goals in 18 games under Hughes during a loan spell at Falkirk three seasons ago, but his career failed to take off following a £2million move to Sunderland.[LNB]Disciplinary issues hindered his progress and Hughes challenged the Republic of Ireland striker to concentrate on his game.[LNB]"I know what he can do, he just needs that focus," Hughes said. "He has got a bit to go in terms of fitness levels. He needs to want to help himself.[LNB]"What I'm trying to create is an appreciation of playing football and what's going on at the club, which I think brings you a togetherness and a real humbleness.[LNB]"So when you wake up this morning and see the paper it smacks you. Stokesy needs to buy into that in terms of the way he conducts himself and his lifestyle.[LNB]"If I had that kind of talent, I would want to focus on my football for the next couple of years."[LNB]Hughes was "thankful" for the finishing prowess of Stokes and Derek Riordan, who struck from 22 yards in the 36th minute, after admitting Saints should have taken the lead.[LNB]Visiting manager Derek McInnes admits his side have to start punishing teams when they are on top after watching them miss numerous chances as they sought their first SPL win.[LNB]McInnes, who was without the ill Felipe Morais, said: "We've been here before in terms of missing chances.[LNB]"I have said it after every game, including Celtic at Parkhead. We need to do better in front of goal - we should have taken the lead.[LNB]"Our performance should have got us better but the fact is we're leaving with a 3-0 defeat."[LNB][LNB]
